A major police operation in the UK has led to the arrest of nine people linked to a religious group in Crewe, Cheshire, following allegations of rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery, according to the BBC.
More than 500 officers carried out coordinated early-morning raids at three properties associated with the group known as Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol). The organisation, established in the early 2000s by followers emerging from Shia Islam, currently has an estimated 150 members at its base in the town.
Cheshire Police said it was alerted to the allegations last month, with claims reportedly dating back to 2023. The investigation centres on offences involving one woman who was a member of the group at the time.
A police spokesperson said the inquiry focuses on individuals, adding that “it does not relate to the religion itself.”
Those arrested include six men and three women of various nationalities, including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. They face a range of allegations including human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery offences.
Among them, a 35-year-old Spanish man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage, while a 30-year-old Mexican man is being held on suspicion of human trafficking alongside sexual and forced marriage offences. Others include individuals suspected of modern slavery and sexual assault offences.
Separately, 13 more people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which police said are not connected to the main investigation.
The raids took place shortly before 09:00 BST, with a heavy police presence reported across parts of Crewe. Emergency services were seen near King George V playing fields, while roads around Victoria Avenue and near Queens Park were temporarily closed.
Searches were conducted at several locations, including Webb House and properties along Nantwich Road. Police said they are working with the local authority to support residents and ensure safeguarding measures are in place.
“Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported,” a spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said.
The operation was supported by Europol, with assistance from officers in Ireland and Sweden.
